Serving on the Montpelier City Council is somewhat of a thankless task. There are few rewards and lots of challenges. So it is wonderful to see that this year we have four qualified candidates for the District 3 seat. What an honor that is. How difficult it becomes to make a good decision.

Because we aren’t voting parties, it can be difficult to figure out in such a race who is the best choice. As my friend former Councilor Jim Sheridan put it, “There is just no way to tell what will come out of a four-way race. It’s a crapshoot.”

In that case, then I have come down on the side of two qualities that I think are badly needed on the Montpelier City Council: youth and gender equality. Why those qualities? Montpelier is growing a younger face. New businesses are opening that are clearly aimed at a younger demographic. The needs of this growing community must be part of the council’s deliberations. And gender? The issue speaks for itself. Half (or more) of Montpelier’s residents are women. Can we expect Anne Watson to be the only feminine voice on the council? Not at all. We should be moving in the direction of balance.

Given the need for youth and balance, it is clear that Jessica Edgerly Walsh is the best choice for District 3 at the town meeting election. She provides the youthful energy and balanced perspective needed to help guide our city into a challenging future. I will certainly be supporting Jessica on Town Meeting Day.